Founded in 2014, Yacht Harbour has now gone through nearly 3 years of rapid growth, packed with milestones and interesting events. In this list are 11 things about Yacht Harbour that are not widely known, but we thought were interesting enough to share.
#1 Yacht Harbour started as an Instagram channel
Even though Yacht Harbour's initial plan was to build a web platform for a marketplace of yachts for sale, the company started an Instagram account in August 2014 to get some sort of traction, ahead of the launch of its website in December of that year.
At a time when no yachting media companies were on the platform, the strategy proved successful and saw Yacht Harbour get to 10,000 followers in under 4 months. This, in turn, proved instrumental to getting the first users to Yacht Harbour.
#2 We power instant results for a Top 5 search engine
Another little known fact about Yacht Harbour is that the company's index powers an instant result snippet for search engine, DuckDuckGo. One of the 5 available search settings on an iPhone, DuckDuckGo is a search engine built with privacy in mind.
Any user searching for a particular yacht on the platform, will see on top of search results an image of the yacht with it's main specifications, which DuckDuckGo displays using an API built by Yacht Harbour on top of its database for the search engine.
#3 News coverage was first meant as a content marketing play
Even though our audience is now spread evenly across its superyacht marketplace and its news section, Yacht Harbour's editorial coverage was started only in October 2015 to act as a content marketing vehicle for its search platform.
Despite these plans, news coverage rapidly evolved and grew to serve the purposes of a true media company, which Yacht Harbour has since become. Stories broken by our news department are now often used as sources by international media such as the BBC, CNBC and others.
#4 We built a chat bot to answer any yachting question
Developed in a wave of growing excitement over chat bots, Brook became the first chat bot in yachting that used a combination of machine learning, natural language recognition and big data to answer any question related to yacht.
Although Brook was since retired due to a lack of users, Yacht Harbour did manage to build a working version, answering over 80% of asked questions. Its original interface can still be seen here. When live it was even accessible from the Telegram messaging platform.
#5 Our content can be found on Forbes and Business Insider
As part of its content distribution strategy, Yacht Harbour struck deals with Business Insider to distribute part of its English-language content and to contribute stories to the French and Russian versions of Forbes.
With news stories around yachting and articles trying to open up the field to a more general audience, this content was read over 2 million times so far in 2017.
#6 We ran a crowdfunding campaign in our first year
Far from today's peak of attention around ICOs, Yacht Harbour ran a crowdfunding campaign in 2015 as an experiment, ahead of the launch of its charter marketplace to offer heavily discounted deals and lifetime advantages for participants.
Through the campaign, Yacht Harbour raised just under $3,000 from a series of contributors. The value of some the items offered then by Yacht Harbour has grown over 1,000x today.
#7 We get 10 million impressions of our content every month
Having rapidly grown from the 23 visitors Yacht Harbour on the day of it's launch, the company's combined channels now reach over 10 million impressions every month. This figure includes Yacht Harbour's website traffic, social media reach and audience on third-party platforms.
#8 There are sometimes easter eggs on Yacht Harbour
Sometimes overtaken by the holiday spirit, Yacht Harbour's homepage can sometimes change to adopt a special skin for limited times as seen above. So far, the company has dressed up its website for Halloween, Christmas and New Year's Eve but other events may soon be coming.
#9 One million minutes are spent watching Yacht Harbour's videos monthly
Playing an increasingly important role for any media company, videos have been a key to Yacht Harbour's success as well with over 800 days worth of videos being watched on our platform every month. The latest Black Pearl video alone reached over 3 million impressions on our network.
#10 Our Facebook page outranks its nearest competition 10 to 1
Owing much of its success to social media, Yacht Harbour has always tried to dominate the space in the superyacht sector and Facebook is currently the most reflective of this paradigm. Whereas Yacht Harbour gets 36,500 engagements on its page every week, the nearest competition currently sits at 3,300 engagements per week.
#11 It took us over 20,000 hours to build the Timeline platform
A major step forward in yacht search, Yacht Harbour's Timeline platform was launched in May 2017 after over 20,000 hours of research. The platform, compared to a Bloomberg terminal for yachting, lets its subscribers track the market in real time, discover the story behind any yacht and find the best deals on the market with big data.
Photos by Julien Hubert
Gruppo Antonini announced its participation in the OMC - Offshore Mediterranean Conference & Exhibition from April 8 to 10 in Ravenna. This is a significant opportunity for Gruppo Antonini to showcase its expertise dating back to 1943 in the oil & gas sector, as well as to explore new possibilities arising from the energy transition.Serving as a focal point for the offshore energy industry, the OMC has grown in stature over the years, making it one of the most anticipated events in the sector. Gruppo Antonini will occupy its own booth to highlight its long tradition as an EPCIC contractor (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning) and showcase recent and ongoing projects.One notable project recently completed by Gruppo Antonini is the Maboqueiro gas platform, a structure weighing over 5,500 tonnes, which was entirely built and launched at the company’s La Spezia shipyard and neighboring engineering workshops. Delivered to customer Azule Energy at the end of 2024, the project spanned 24 months due to its complexity, stemming from its size and numerous interfaces. The final assembly phase of the platform, involving the positioning of the jacket and deck in the Atlantic Ocean, is scheduled to commence in March 2025, with Gruppo Antonini managing the hook-up operations, lasting approximately 45 days.Additionally, Gruppo Antonini has recently secured two significant orders from Mellitah Oil & Gas BV - Libyan Branch (National Oil Corporation of Libya and Eni North Africa): a gas production platform in Libya valued at €300 million and a Platform Compression Module for installation on the existing SABRATHA gas platform, 42 meters above sea level and 120 kilometers from the Libyan coast.Through its participation in OMC Ravenna 2025, Gruppo Antonini aims to strengthen its position as a leader in the offshore energy sector, highlighting its capabilities in executing complex projects and embracing the challenges of the evolving energy landscape.Credits: Gruppo Antonini
March 12, 2025
Revolution Marine Group and Silent Escapes have introduced a groundbreaking sustainable yacht financing model, the Credit Linked Note (CLN) investment model, facilitated by the Swiss company GenTwo. Already managing over USD 4 billion in assets, this innovative approach combines the simplicity of crowdfunding with the security of a regulated financial instrument.Ultra-green real estate developer Silent Escapes has adopted this method to finance the purchase of two Revolution S60 solar-electric supported catamarans, scheduled for delivery to the Bahamas in early summer 2025 and early 2026. The CLN model offers investors significant returns and exclusive yacht charter benefits.The funds raised by Silent Escapes will be used to acquire two state-of-the-art solar-electric catamarans from Revolution Marine Group, representing manufacturers including Revolution Yachts, Canados Heritage, and CL Yachts. These 60-foot, four-cabin catamarans offer silent, emissions-free cruising throughout the Caribbean, enhancing the eco-luxury experience at Silent Escapes' stunning Marina Point residences.The catamarans will generate revenue through membership fees linked to Silent Escapes' real estate sales and will be available for both commercial charter and promotional activities. Property owners at Silent Escapes will gain access to these yachts, offering them exclusive charter opportunities or shared access to the expanding fleet.The CLN model provides a highly secure investment opportunity with numerous advantages:Swiss-registered CLNs: Offered through GenTwo, with an ISIN code (CH1408701055).Annual Return: 14.25% over a two-year term.Additional Benefits: Qualified investors receive free all-inclusive charters, and investment credits toward Silent Escapes properties.Asset Security: Assets are secured by high-value solar-electric yachts and 100% solar-powered waterfront residences.The CLN can be purchased through any bank using the provided ISIN code, simplifying the investment process.Ed Sacks, CEO of Revolution Marine Group, stated, "By combining cutting-edge solar-electric technology, high-end luxury design, and eco-conscious investment models, we are excited to set a new benchmark for sustainable land and sea tourism." Victor Barrett, CEO of Silent Escapes, added, "Our innovative funding approach allows investors to purchase investment certificates directly from their bank, offering enhanced protection and flexibility."This collaboration exemplifies how sustainable practices can merge with lucrative investment opportunities, appealing to eco-conscious investors seeking both financial gains and unique experiential rewards.Credits: Revolution Marine Group, Silent Escapes
March 12, 2025
The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2025, sponsored by Raymarine, will showcase the UK debut of the high-performance Delta 33 Coupé at MDL’s flagship Ocean Village Marina in Southampton from May 9-11, 2025.Presented by SE Yachts, the Delta 33 Coupé by Delta Powerboats is a state-of-the-art cabin cruiser developed in collaboration with Swedish naval architect Ted Mannerfelt. Combining modern design with advanced technologies and efficient hydrodynamics, the vessel offers an exceptional boating experience.The Delta 33 Coupé is a versatile craft, ideal for both day cruising and family vacations. Measuring 10.95 meters (36 feet) and boasting a top speed exceeding 40 knots, this fuel-efficient and responsive motorboat is designed for those seeking both performance and luxury.Featuring a twin-stepped, air-supported deep-V hull, the Delta 33 Coupé provides class-leading fuel economy, reducing drag and offering a smooth, exhilarating ride. The interior, beautifully crafted with exceptional visibility and high-end finishes, is designed to cater to the needs of modern sailors.The yacht accommodates up to four people in two cabins, making it suitable for both short trips and extended stays on the water. Additionally, the Delta 33 Coupé features a full-size convertible sunroof, a unique feature for its size, ensuring that the beauty of the sea can always be enjoyed in comfort.Tim Mayer, Sales & Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, expressed excitement about hosting the UK premiere, stating, "The Delta 33 Coupé exemplifies the innovation and craftsmanship that Delta is renowned for, and we’re honored to give our visitors the opportunity to experience it firsthand. It’s a perfect addition to the outstanding lineup of yachts we offer at the show."SE Yachts will also showcase two additional models: the Arcona 435 Mk II and the Arcona 385. Both Swedish-designed yachts are known for their performance, style, and luxury. Alasdair Marshall, Director of SE Yachts, remarked, "We believe the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is the ideal platform to debut the Delta 33 Coupé in the UK. This model represents cutting-edge powerboat design, and we're proud to bring it to the UK for the first time."The show will provide a platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations in sustainable boating technologies and designs, reinforcing the industry's commitment to eco-friendly practices.Credits: SE Yachts
March 12, 2025
The Italian Sea Group concluded the first edition of its Vision Brokers Day event with significant success, attracting sixty of the world's most influential yachting brokers from various regions.Held over two days at the company's headquarters in Marina di Carrara, the exclusive event provided participants with a deep dive into The Italian Sea Group's productive reality, showcasing its distinct product range, commercial strategies, and core competencies. The workshop highlighted the pivotal role of the Research & Development office, emphasizing innovation and customization as cornerstones of the organization's vision.Moreover, the event spotlighted The Italian Sea Group's unprecedented industrial challenge, managing simultaneous construction of mega and gigayachts, possibly unprecedented in the history of yachting. To manage this complexity efficiently, the company implemented an innovative Industrial Process & Planning approach, leveraging advanced methodologies and software from high-engineering sectors like automotive. This approach orchestrates the entire production cycle structurally and synchronously, optimizing each phase of construction.Participants had the rare opportunity to tour the shipyard, including departments for 3D design, carpentry, and furnishing, a unique feature in Italy. This integration of design and production reduces errors and optimizes the customization process.Visits to internal business units, such as the Steel Mill and Upholstery Department, highlighted the Group's capability to perform a significant portion of its fabrication internally rather than relying heavily on external suppliers. This model ensures direct quality control and continuous improvement in cost and process management.Combining internal fabrication with exclusive use of 3D design empowers The Italian Sea Group to preserve and enhance its extraordinary know-how."Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of this first Vision Brokers Day event," stating, "This initiative strengthened our relationships with international brokers, creating new partnership opportunities and reinforcing our global presence. The high attendance and interest shown by participants confirm the value of our vision and capabilities."Through this event, The Italian Sea Group reaffirmed its commitment to continual evolution, refining processes, skills, and solutions to meet the highest industry expectations and solidify its leadership in the international luxury yachting market.Credits: The Italian Sea Group
March 11, 2025
The third 27.4-meter motor yacht from the Arksen 85 explorer series has been listed for sale by Sam Tucker of Moravia Yachting, with delivery expected in 2026. The vessel will be available for purchase 18 months after signing the contract.Building on the success of the first two yachts in the series, Mamaluna (delivered in 2023) and the second Arksen 85 (scheduled for delivery this year), the third hull is being constructed in aluminium to a design by Humphreys Yacht Design, with interiors by Design Unlimited. Production is taking place at the UK-based Wight Shipyard, owned by Ocea.The Arksen 85 accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins or six guests in three cabins, including a full-beam master suite. All cabins are located on the lower deck, with the option for additional berths. The yacht can operate with minimal crew, with quarters available for two or four crew depending on requirements.Functionality and sustainability are central to the Arksen 85's design, reflected in its versatile interiors and carefully selected materials. Worktops in the galley are made from recycled plastics, and upholstery uses waste fashion fibers or recovered ocean plastics. However, the interior design is highly customizable to meet client preferences.On the main deck, the Arksen 85 features an open-plan lounge and galley with direct deck access, a lobby, and a dayhead, with stairs leading to the bridge deck. Here, guests will find a second saloon and a study area. Outside, the yacht offers an al fresco dining setup, an aft deck lounge, and additional bench seating forward of the bridge. The Arksen 85 is highly customizable, with options for accessories such as cranes, stabilization booms, and storage for a large tender and water toys.The yacht's aft deck is reinforced to handle weights of up to 4,000 kg, making it suitable for vehicles or submersibles. Brokers emphasize that each Arksen vessel is designed for global exploration, offering confidence, comfort, independence, and efficiency characteristic of modern long-range cruising yachts. The Arksen 85 can reach top speeds of 14 knots and cruising speeds of 12 knots, with an exploratory range of 7,000 nautical miles.Credit: Arksen
March 11, 2025